Harley Quinn is officially entering DC’s Absolute Universe, and with the sweeping changes this universe brings to every character, fans are unsure what to expect from her debut. However, one thing has been confirmed: the fan-favorite Gotham City Siren is teaming up with an unlikely partner.

As a quick recap, DC’s recently launched Absolute Universe is a Darkseid-created world saturated in his energy, much like how Earth-Prime is based on Superman’s energy. This has resulted in DC’s heroes and villains undergoing massive reimaginings, with grittier, more hardcore origin stories that reflect the darker world they now inhabit.

With the recent news that Harley Quinn will be ing the Absolute Universe in Absolute Batman, fans are guaranteed a never-before-explored version of the Gotham Siren. This update comes from Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder himself, who confirmed in a recent interview with Comiop Returns that Harley will be teaming up with none other than the Dark Knight himself.

Sorry, Joker, But Absolute Harley Quinn Is Team Batman

Main Cover by Nick Dragotta & Frank Martin for Absolute Batman #4 (2025)

During his talk with Comiop Returns, Snyder discussed his plans for Absolute Joker, a character who has only been teased briefly throughout Absolute Batman so far. Snyder shared the insight that the Absolute Universe’s Batman is essentially taking on the role of the Joker from Earth-Prime continuity. In this version, Absolute Bruce is the one disrupting the status quo, essentially embodying everything Absolute Joker despises. Snyder clarified that when he says Absolute Batman is stepping into the Earth-Prime Joker’s role, it doesn't mean Bruce mirrors the Joker’s chaos and anarchy. Instead, Absolute Batman represents rebellion at its finest, breaking systems that clash with his values and positioning himself as the one who now exists to challenge the Joker.

With Batman taking on a more Joker-esque role in the Absolute Universe, Snyder revealed that some characters typically associated with the Joker in Earth-Prime will now begin "congregating around Bruce a little more." One of the most notable examples of this shift in allegiance is Harley Quinn. This revelation stood out, as it confirmed that the Gotham City Siren will soon be ing the Absolute Batman narrative not as a foe, but as a friend to Bruce. This is an especially exciting development, and while details remain scarce concerning this impending role reversal and debut, it gives fans a lot to look forward to.

Harley Quinn Isn’t the Only 'Joker Associate' Siding with Batman

Main Cover by Nick Dragotta & Frank Martin for Absolute Batman #6 (2025)

During his interview, Snyder further teases that Harley Quinn will not be the only Joker associate siding with Batman in the Absolute Universe, as he revealed that Bruce will soon begin working with the Red Hood Gang. Longtime fans of the Joker will recall that the Red Hood Gang was once a criminal organization associated with him before he became the mad clown he is today. Therefore, the fact that Snyder is making the Red Hood Gang an ally of Batman rather than the Joker marks a major lore shift. Based on the way Scott Snyder spoke, it also seems that even more of the Joker’s typical allies may soon align with Batman, raising both excitement and anticipation.

Source: Comiop Returns